DANNY WILLETT has enjoyed a terrific year on the golf course.
The 29-year-old shot to fame when he became the first Englishman since Nick Faldo in 1996 to win the Masters at Augusta.
IMAGE: AP:Associated Press
On 28 November Sheffield-born Willett was nominated for the 2016 Sports Personality of the Year after claiming the famous green jacket.
Here is what we know about the golfer.
What’s his background?
Born in Sheffield to one of four brothers, Willett didn’t come from a golfing background but used to practice his swing by heading to Anglesey to play a par three course in the middle of a sheep field.
His break as an amateur came when he won the English Amateur Championship in 2007 before being crowned number one ranked amateur in the world less than a year later.
He eventually turned pro in May 2008 before earning his European Tour card for the 2009 season after coming through qualifying school.
Willett hasn’t looked back since and despite a difficult year in 2011, he would soon bounce back to achieve one of golf’s greatest successes.
How many tournament wins does he have under his belt?
Willett won his first European Tour event four years after turning professional at the BMW International Open.
He has since won another four European Tour events including the Omega European Masters.
In 2016 he achieved a childhood dream by winning his first major tournament at the Masters.
With Jordan Spieth leading the pack, Willett kept his cool and shot a five-under-par round on the Sunday before his American rival collapsed on the final round.
Willet’s five-under for the tournament was enough for him to become the first Brit in 20 years to win the green jacket.
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What are his other major championships results?
Willett hasn't been able to replicate the same Masters form he showed in 2016 but the closest he came was at The Open Championship in 2015 where he was tied for sixth.
Through 36 holes at the Open, Willett was just one shot off leader Dustin Johnson and was paired with the American in the final pairings for the third round.
However an even-par third round and a two-under 70 in the last round saw Willett drop down to sixth but gain his first top 10 finish at a major championship.
At the US Open Willett's best finish has been a tied for 37th earlier this year whilst the PGA Championship saw him tied for 30th in 2014.
How much money has Danny earned so far?
It is believed that Willett has pocketed in the region of £12.4million since turning pro not including his sponsorship deals.
Willett made a cool £1.5m just for winning the Masters but his sponsorship deals spiked through the roof.
He's already a European ambassador for golf giants Callaway and it is suggested he earned an staggering £50m after his Masters win.
IMAGE: PA:Press Association
What's his highest world ranking so far?
Danny Willett is currently ranked 11th in the world but he forced his way into the top 10 after the Masters victory.
He moved up to ninth after the Masters win where he remained for 16 weeks.
Willett will have hopes of rejoining the top 10 when the golfing season starts again next year.
IMAGE: Getty Images
Does he have a family?
Willett married his long-term partner Nicole Willett in 2013 before having their first child together just a few days before his Masters win.
He has four brothers and once described his father as one of the best sports psychologists he has known.
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